Religious Education taught at Howletch Primary School (according to the Durham Agreed Syllabus Religious Education 2020) ensures pupils encounter core concepts in religions and beliefs in a coherent way, developing their understanding and their ability to handle questions of religions and belief. At Howletch Primary School, the teaching and learning approach has three core elements which are woven together to provide breath and balance within teaching and learning about religion and beliefs:
- RE is taught by studying one religion at a time (systemic units) and then including thematic units, which build on learning by comparing the religions, beliefs and practices studied. Teachers link with key dates and religious festivals, providing opportunities to celebrate festivals and religions with greater relevance and consistency and enhances a cross-curricular approach.
- Children have the opportunity to visit many different places of worship. To further deepen learning, Religious visitors are organised to talk to the children about their faith, festivals and beliefs. These visits provide the children with opportunities to ask questions and have hands on experiences such as: making Christingles and Diwali lights and singing Christmas carols. These trips and visitors are organised termly, focusing on the topics that the children are studying.
